I knew a guy who worked at a General Motors Assembly plant for 50 years. For the last 20 of those years his job was to man the shaker machine. Each vehicle that comes off the assembly line is placed on the shaker machine to see if loose parts or unusual sounds can be identified. Then 1 out of each 10 of these vehicles is taken for a car test drive.

1. How To Avoid The Car Test Drive Blues

2. I knew a guy who worked at a General Motors Assembly
plant for 50 years.

3. For the last 20 of those years his job was to man the shaker
machine.

4. Each vehicle that comes off the assembly line is placed on
the shaker machine to see if loose parts or unusual sounds
can be identified.

5. Then 1 out of each 10 of these vehicles is taken for a car
test drive.

6. The test drive route is designed to put the vehicle into a
variety of different environments.

7. The route includes lower speeds on residential streets and
higher speeds on a freeway.

8. There are red lights to stop at and railroad tracks to go
over.

9. Again, the purpose is to try to identify any rattles or loose
parts on the vehicle.

10. I mention this because you should be thinking along same
lines when you decide to test drive a vehicle that you are
considering to purchase.

11. If you are not familiar with the area, talk to the salesperson
and let them know that you want to travel a route that will
put the vehicle into a variety of operating conditions.

12. Begin Your Car Test Drive By Getting Comfortable

13. Before you get started, take the time to adjust the seat, the
mirrors and any other vehicle controls as appropriate, so
that you get a chance to experience this functionality and to
make the test drive safer for you.

14. During the car test drive you will want to get a feel for the
vehicle's acceleration capability and its braking capacity.

15. You will also want to get a feel of the steering, is it
comfortable and easy.

16. Ask yourself if the ride feels smooth.

17. Do you like the feel of the interior design.

18. Can you see yourself spending the next few years in this
vehicle and enjoying the experience.

19. During Your Car Test Drive Experience Functionality

20. Try out some of the vehicle functions.

21. Turn on the wipers, the turn signals, the radio, the GPS
system.

22. Do these systems see like they are designed with your size
and rich in mind?

23. Ask about fuel efficiency.

24. Chat with the salesperson as you drive about the warranty
that comes with the vehicle.

25. Inquire about consumer reviews regarding that particular
vehicle.

26. Ask the salesperson what they personally think about the
vehicle.

27. Be specific, ask them for their pros and cons.

28. The length that individuals or financing their vehicle has
never been longer.

29. Financing periods of 4, 6 and even 8 years is no longer
uncommon.

30. Make the most of your car test drive because you and the
vehicle you purchase are going to be together for many
years to come.